From: abrigham@roosevelt.edu
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 9:51 AM
To: MarketingClaim
Subject: Docket No. LS-05-09



I am writing to express my strong opposition to Docket No. LS-05-09. Honestly, I
am shocked that the government is proposing this law, one which dupes consumers
and betrays hard working farmers and ranchers.

As U.S. citizens feel more and more disempowered in many realms of their
lives--education, the environment, energy--the marketplace emerges as one place
they may "cast a vote"--that is, choose to support producers who are committed
to products and values that they believe in. In proposing a law that would allow
meat to be labeled grass-fed even if the animals it came from never lived in a
pasture and were fed antibiotics and hormones, the Department of Agriculture
denies consumers this right. And, such a law fails American farmers and ranchers
who are struggling to do the right thing. Farming and ranching are extremely
tough ways of life in 21st century America, and raising grass-fed animals is an
excellent way for these industries to thrive and to respond to growing
environmental and dietary concerns. In addition, the health benefits of
grass-fed animals are well known; the meat of animals fed grass has higher
omega-3 fatty acids; feeding animals grain like corn reduces omega-3 fatty
acids. So, this is a health issue, in addition to a consumer issue, industry
issue, and environmental issue.

The Department of Agriculture, and the U.S.D.A. more specifically, functions to
create standards that are accurate, reliable, and loyal to the truth of the
matter--not to some lobby for big agribusiness. It's time to do the right thing
for the American people, and to reward farmers and ranchers who have made the
effort to make a difference in all of our lives.

Sincerely,
Ann Brigham
Evanston, IL